Need an excuse to finally book that bucket-list vacation?
Research suggests that traveling can be a boon for your brain, with some studies finding it may benefit dementia patients and even help fend off cognitive decline.
That matters now more than ever. By 2060, 1 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the memory-robbing disease every year — nearly double today’s numbers.
Experts estimate that up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or even prevented with simple lifestyle changes, and travel lines up with several of them.
But a brain-boosting getaway takes more than a passport and a plane ticket. Read on to find out how to travel smart — and stay sharp.
#1. Go somewhere new
Sure, your go-to beach resort is a blast. But if you want a trip that works your mind, opt for a different destination.
New environments and experiences help stimulate mental activity — which may slow cognitive decline or even sharpen function.
Think: museum strolls, historic walking tours, nature hikes or sampling local dishes.
Traveling “forces us to learn new things, navigate new environments and understand new routines that perhaps we are not accustomed to,” Dr. Augusto Miravalle, a neurologist, told Huffpost.
#2. Get moving
A trip packed with activity is more than just good fun — it’s brain fuel.
“Exercise is often an important component of tourism experiences, and it is frequently included in dementia intervention plans,” Jun Wen, tourism lecturer at Edith Cowan University, told National Geographic.
Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference. One study found just 35 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity could cut your chances of developing dementia by 41%.
“The fact that travel is an active thing will signal to the brain to stay in shape,” Dr. David A. Merrill, a geriatric psychiatrist, told BrainHQ.
#3. Make connections
Booking a girls’ trip or family reunion is great for bonding — and even better for your brain. Traveling also opens the door to social interactions with strangers, adding an extra dose of mental stimuli to your trip.
Lack of social interaction is well-known risk factors for cognitive decline. In fact, a new study found that being socially active may delay dementia onset in older adults by as much as five years.
Staying social helps strengthen neural circuits, making them more resistant to the age-related damage that leads to memory loss. It also activates the same areas of the brain involved in thinking and recall.
“Social activity challenges older adults to participate in complex interpersonal exchanges, which could promote or maintain efficient neural networks in a case of ‘use it or lose it,’” explained Dr. Bryan James, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush University and lead author of the study.
Spending time with others can also help ward off loneliness and depression — both of which are linked to a higher chance of developing dementia later in life, even for those diagnosed with mental health issues earlier on.
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